United States Army Air Corps

USAAC Roundel 1919-1941

United States Army Air Forces Recruiting Poster - 2

USAAC,1930

Douglas O-46

Keystone B-6A

Boeing P-26A USAF

United States Army Air Corps (USAAC) was the aerial warfare service component of the United States Army between 1926 and 1941. Before its reformation into the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) on June 20, 1941, the Army Air Corps was responsible for the development and preparation of the American air power defense. Its creation marked a pivotal moment in the history of military aviation, signifying a shift towards the recognition of air power as a crucial element of national defense strategy.

History

The origins of the Army Air Corps date back to the establishment of the Aeronautical Division, Signal Corps in 1907, which was the first heavier-than-air military aviation organization in the world. Following World War I, where the importance of air power became evident, there was a push for an independent air force. However, due to various political and budgetary constraints, an independent air force was not realized until after World War II. Instead, the Air Corps Act of 1926 renamed the Air Service of the United States Army to the Army Air Corps, providing it with a more defined and autonomous role within the Army.

Structure

The Army Air Corps was not an independent service but was one of the combat arms of the Army. It was organized into a headquarters, air districts (which were later reorganized into numbered air forces), and various units and schools. The Corps was responsible for the training of personnel, the development of aircraft, and the formulation of doctrine and tactics.

Technological and Tactical Innovations

During its existence, the Army Air Corps introduced several technological and tactical innovations. It was instrumental in the development of new aircraft, including the B-17 Flying Fortress, which would become a mainstay of the USAAF during World War II. The Corps also developed early forms of strategic bombing doctrine, which emphasized the use of air power to strike at the industrial and military infrastructure of an enemy.

Transition to the United States Army Air Forces

The limitations of the Army Air Corps became apparent during the early stages of World War II. The need for a more powerful and autonomous air force led to the creation of the United States Army Air Forces on June 20, 1941, by the authority of Executive Order 9082. This reorganization granted the new service more autonomy and resources, setting the stage for the eventual establishment of the United States Air Force as an independent service in 1947.

Legacy

The legacy of the Army Air Corps is significant, as it laid the groundwork for the modern American air power. Its personnel, equipment, and doctrines were integral to the success of the Allied air campaigns during World War II. The experiences and lessons learned during its existence helped shape the future of military aviation in the United States.